It’s been said that New York City is America’s business capital, but now that President-elect Trump is heading to the White House, look for that moniker to transition to Washington, D.C. Not only will we soon have a businessman running the country, but trade is top among his agenda items which can only mean increased trips to the nation’s capitol for global traders.

So where to stay? Let’s settle that question for you. Having recently checked in to the sparkling new Trump International Hotel, Washington D.C., I can say without hesitation that it is one of the most magnificent hotels in any city, anywhere in the world. I know, I know, that’s quite an endorsement—but it is true nonetheless. Let’s run down the list, shall we?

Location

The Trump International has an A location right on Pennsylvania Avenue, just a few blocks from the White House and across the street from the Smithsonian Museums. It’s a short walk to everything.

Architecture

The outside of the building is as dramatic as it is historic, being the former HQ of the U.S. Post Office. Originally completed in 1899, it quite frankly is the most architecturally stunning building in all of Washington, D.C., monuments excluded. Chief among its many beautiful features is the imposing clock tower.

Lobby

When you enter such an historic building, you would expect the lobby to be equally impressive. Wrong … the lobby is even more impressive and is certainly the most dramatic of hotel lobbies to be found anywhere. I was immediately struck by the cool vibe; it was at once “businessy” but also equal parts elegant, welcoming, exciting and quite frankly, very fun. The signature feature has to be the dramatic open ceiling rising eight stories and covered by a skylight the size of a football field and girded by original steel trusses that add a distinctly historic element. That said, there are intimate conversation areas sprinkled throughout the lobby, which is anchored at one end by a dramatic bar and at the other end by the fabulous BLT Prime restaurant, with indoor elevated terrace seating overlooking the length of the grand lobby. On each side of the bar is a huge TV screen tuned to what else? Fox News. On the evening I stayed there, it was three days before the election and rather appropriate that Trump himself was being interviewed on TV when I walked in, almost as if on cue. Back to the lobby: The décor is what you might call updated colonial. The bright fabric furniture is comfortable and soothing, which is just what weary executives and tourists alike require at the end of the day.

Staff

Helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, diligent, cheerful. Sounds like I’m describing the Boy Scout slogan. The service is not overdone, nor do you have to wait more than three seconds to get someone’s attention. It was perfect.

Cuisine

I had breakfast at BLT Prime and came back for lunch it was so good. It bills itself as a steakhouse, but it is so much more. The menu offers a robust variety of favorites with a nice mix of some more exotic dishes that are sure to satisfy anyone at your table.

Room

The rooms at the Trump International D.C. are, in a word, elegant. I don’t care for the super modern look that many 5-star hotels are going for these days. They leave me cold. The Trump, on the other hand, is what I would call stately elegant, right down to the crystal chandelier over the center of the room. There is rich, thick crown molding, nice artwork on the walls, but above all, the bed is the most comfortable I have ever slept on and the sheets and comforter would rival anything you might hope to find at Buckingham Palace. Someone had a big expense account when they purchased all these beds and linens. They are magnificent.

So there you have it. Kudos to Ivanka Trump for creating such a splendid property. Neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night will keep me from returning to this Trump “Old Post Office” Washington, D.C. n